The Gauteng Department of Education has denied claims of a 64% funding cut for Quintile 5 schools. The department calls the claims "false, misleading and reckless", saying they've been distorted by the Democratic Alliance. The DA launched a petition against the alleged cuts, which they say will harm learners and teachers from April this year. Elvis Presslin spoke to Gauteng Education Department Spokesperson, Steve Mabona

The Chief Executive Officer of the Johannesburg Development Agency, JDA, Themba Mathibe has reportedly been arrested amid allegations of contract irregularities and corruption. Authorities reportedly found over a million rands in cash at his premises.The arrest follows a raid at the offices of the Johannesburg Social Housing Company, Joshco, on Monday. Joshco has confirmed the operation but hasn't disclosed any details about arrests. Mathibe, who previously served as Joshco's Chief Operations Officer, was appointed JDA CEO in 2024 despite opposition from the DA. Elvis Presslin spoke to DA Shadow MMC for Development Planning In Johannesburg, Daniel Schay, who raised concern about Mathibe's appointment in 2024

The Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) is condemning SASKO's ongoing retrenchments and closure of distribution and despatch units across South Africa. The union says SASKO has closed several depots, retrenching around 661 workers in the past year, mainly FAWU members. FAWU claims this is part of a deliberate pattern of union-bashing, targeting FAWU strongholds. The union is calling for government action, urging the state to acquire SASKO and place it under democratic control and worker management. Elvis Presslin spoke to Dominique Martin, Spokesperson for the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU)

Prepaid mobile users in South Africa are set to get more value from their data bundles. The communications regulator, ICASA, has introduced new rules forcing network operators to let unused data roll over at least once when a bundle expires. From January 23 next year 2027, companies must automatically carry over remaining data on the same terms as the original purchase, with older bundles used first. ICASA says the current practice of letting data and airtime vanish is unfair and exploitative. The EFF has welcomed the move, calling it a win from their push for better consumer protections. Elvis Presslin spoke to EFF Member of Parliament, Sinawo Tambo

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has dismissed reports of plans to expropriate communal land in Limpopo's Masia area for private interests. The department says a visit to the Matsila Development Trust area was to discuss rural development initiatives and stalled projects, following an invitation from Chief Matsila. The clarification comes after the Masia Traditional Authority accused Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso of trying to take communal land. The community has reportedly been seeking clarity on unexplained investments, with no response, as they struggle to recover from recent floods. Elvis Presslin spoke to Chief Livhuwani Matsila, of the Matsila Royal Family

COSATU is calling on government to scrap the R372 million budget for the Defence Force Day parade in Thohoyandou. The union says the spending is a "grotesque waste of funds" that could address pressing needs in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). COSATU is citing struggles in the SANDF, including budget cuts, mismanagement and poor conditions for soldiers, such as deteriorating barracks and reduced meals. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks

The ANC's Johannesburg Region is accusing alliance partner SANCO of trying to undermine its newly elected leadership. The row follows the discovery of ballot papers from the region's conference at a house in Pretoria, with a police presence. The ANC's Sasabona Manganye says the discovery is "a movie" and denies any involvement in manipulating the conference, which saw Loyiso Masuku elected as regional chair. The party is investigating claims of procedural irregularities. Elvis Presslin spoke to SANCO Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, Abram Mashishi

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of  "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

A team of South African disaster response specialists has returned from Mozambique, where they helped with flood relief efforts. The team, which included Rescue South Africa and University of Johannesburg experts Connor Hartnady and Xavier Millar, was deployed at the request of the Mozambican government and the UN. Elvis Presslin spoke to Aidan Justus, Chief Executive Officer of Rescue South Africa

The Young Intelligent Minds of South Africa, YIMOSA is criticizing the government's handling of recent floods in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and other provinces. They say poor infrastructure is to blame for the devastation. The group is frustrated with 'show visits' by ministers who promise aid but reportedly deliver little. They point to KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape, where flood victims still need housing after a year. For more on the entity's concerns, Elvis Presslin spoke to Young Intelligent Minds of South Africa, YIMOSA Founder, Jeffrey Mabunda